Squaw Valley expands World Cup weekend to include Toyota ProAm

While the top women’s alpine ski racers in the world prepare to descend on Squaw Valley March 10-11 for the Audi FIS Women’s World Cup Giant Slalom and Slalom races, another group of seasoned competitors will also be setting their sights on the California resort with the addition of the Toyota ProAm Ski Challenge to the weekend’s festivities.

The Toyota Ski ProAm Challenge will consist of a benefit gala, hosted at the Resort at Squaw Creek on Saturday, March 11, and the head-to-head dual race on Sunday, March 12. The race is slated to take place on the lower portion of the legendary Red Dog Run, the same course that will challenge the World Cup competitors earlier in the week.

Presented by Toyota Mirai, the automaker’s hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle, the ProAm Ski Challenge will benefit two environmental nonprofit organizations, Waterkeeper Alliance and Protect Our Winters.

Waterkeeper Alliance strengthens and grows a global network of grassroots leaders protecting everyone’s right to clean water. Protect Our Winters is a passionate group of dedicated individuals, professional athletes and industry brands, mobilizing the outdoor sports community to lead the charge towards positive climate action.

“The addition of the Toyota ProAm Ski Challenge represents our desire to enhance an already fun and exciting weekend of World Cup activities,” said Andy Wirth CEO of Squaw Valley Resort. “The event will not only serve as a great complement to the racing action but it will also raise money for two tremendous nonprofit organizations that underscore the resort’s environmental focus.”

Squaw Valley is the home mountain of Protect Our Winters CEO, Jeremy Jones. "I've seen definitive changes in the mountains over my career. The urgency to act on climate has never been more apparent than it is right now. Squaw Valley is not only my home mountain, but a solid example of how a business can effectively lead on climate. We are honored to be part of the Toyota Ski ProAm as we continue to mobilize the outdoor sports community to be leaders in the fight against climate change."

The fundraising component of the Toyota ProAm Ski Challenge will take on a unique technological format, with ProAm team members using their preferred social media channels to solicit online donation “votes” in the week leading up to the event. Competitors will also be encouraged to work outside their social influence spheres, engaging others to solicit donations on their team’s behalf.

The team raising the most money will receive the best handicap in Sunday’s race. Saturday’s benefit gala will serve as the culmination of all fundraising efforts via a live tally during the course of the evening.

"The Toyota Ski Proam will call attention to the increasing threats to our climate and waterways; threats that put human health and communities at risk. We are thankful to Toyota Motor Sales and Squaw Valley for helping the global Waterkeeper movement stand up to polluters and protect their local waters" said Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Senior Attorney and President of Waterkeeper Alliance.

Each seven-member team will be comprised of an international ski legend, celebrities, sponsors and paid participants. In addition to the top race handicap, the team raising the most money will be able to select which Waterkeeper Alliance campaign receives the money.

Saturday evening benefit gala tickets are be available for $300 each, while Sunday race spots are priced at $2,500 each. Gala tickets and race spots can be purchased via the Squaw Valley website.

For additional information on Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, the Audi FIS Women’s World Cup at Squaw Valley or the Toyota ProAm Ski Challenge, visit www.squawalpine.com.